Issue - decisions

As Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, I agree to:

(a)  Approve a policy change to the funding arrangements for the following services, that from 1 April 2026 these shall be provided from the maintained schools’ budgets in line with the funding all schools receive under the National Funding Formula, as is currently the case for Academies, and that the Council shall cease to provide additional funding for these:

• Statutory compliance testing and surveys, including tree surveys;
• Health and Safety advice and training;
• Employment tribunal awards and associated legal costs;
• Staff care (occupational health advice); and
• Administration of teachers’ pensions.

(b)  Delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Children, Young People and Education, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, to (1) take the relevant actions to progress the decision, including as necessary seeking the agreement of the Schools Funding Forum to top-slicing or alternative or revised proposals as required, and (2) in the event it may become necessary, to then take all necessary steps to seek formal determination by the Secretary of State.

(c)  Delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Children, Young People and Education to take all relevant actions including but not limited to entering into relevant contracts or other legal agreements as required, to implement the changes required to give effect to this decision, including implementation of the proposal where it is approved by the Secretary of State provided that such determination aligns with the intended outcome of the decision.